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The Highland Sword by @maymcgoldrick
Sass-o-meter 5/5💜s - Ultimate Sass
Release Date: March 31st
#thehighlandsword @stmartinspress
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“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
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Tagline: Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion—this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best.

A VOW FOR VENGEANCE - Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death—until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation.
A PLEA FOR PASSION - Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan—and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?
-----------------Sassy Review---------------
Thank you @netgalley and #Stmartinspress for the advanced copy to provide my own sassy opinions.

I adore this husband and wife author team - I am here for every book they write!

This book is the third and I think final in the series, but there might be more side stories planned! I would love to read and continue the amazing story they have started.

I loved Morrigan in the first two books - talk about the ultimate sass!!! She delivers and of course - May McGoldrick - has delivered the perfect man, Aidan, to sass back.

If you love an amazing historical story that envelops you in a huge hug of comfort with sassy banter that gives you the giggles and plasters an uncontrolable smile on your face then this book is highly recommended to you!

----Sassiest character - Morrigan & Adian-----
Qotd: Do you have a favorite romance author?

An intense tale filled to bursting with historical intrigue with descriptive words that make you feel you are there in Scotland, walking in the characters steps and feeling their emotions.
Unrest and mistrust is rampant with the innocent being punished and taking the blame for many infractions.
Aidan Grant is one man trying to defend those who are innocent of crimes the corrupt government have placed on them. Trying to get information out a government informant to help in a trial, leads him to Morrigan Drummond, who is only wanting the man dead. The spy had worked for the man who was responsible for the death of her father and she wanted vengeance.
Wow, this story never stopped and as these two come into contact again, a lot happens and leads this story into intrigue, secrets, a battle of minds and a slow build of passion.
If you have never read on of this fabulous writing teams books, don't miss this one and all in this remarkable series.. I highly recommend!

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a book set in the early 1800s. It is a time when Scotland and England, although being ruled together, were at odds still over the past. Intrigue, murder and mayhem ruled daily life. Strong politicians with lines to the regents ruled and others were hounded and jailed.

Morrigan Drummond and Aidan Grant meet under these circumstances. Morrigan knows she can never marry and is bent on revenge. Aidan is a lawyer who is working on justice for the Scottish citizens, He has decided that he is going to also run for political office. According to Morrigan, she would drag him down with her temper and secret. According to Aidan, she is the only thing that matters.

Of course, nothing is quite that easy. There are all sorts of interesting incidents and people in their way. The story is one of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone with some background knowledge. Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a good read.

Truly a another gem from May McGoldrick. I love this series. Great characters in one of my favorite book locations.

I found this book to drag on a little bit as it needed a lot of explanation for the political side of things. There were also times when I thought it probably would have helped if I had read the previous books in the series for context even though the book can be read as a standalone. However, I did enjoy the complexity of the characters and the different personalities of the main characters and the supporting characters. It produced many moments that made me laugh and felt like a member of the clan.

First and foremost I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for providing us with a copy of this book so that we could bring you this review.

This is now the second time I write this review. Thanks to my computer I lost the first draft, and let me just say it was an amazing draft, so I apologize that this one isn't as good.

I found that Morrigan was the strongest and most fierce of the three women who had to watch Dr Drummond get killed by the British Dragoons. It was her own father, the man who protected her and raised her for a large portion of her life. It was the man who was always there for her when she really needed someone so its of no surprise that she wasn't sot avenge his murder. Just as she sees her opportunity to do something about a few of those involved she comes across Aiden. And he is trying to protect this person, but its not for the reasons she thinks. He is trying to help save innocent lives. Morrigan has kept secrets from her family, the other two women who have been there for her during this whole ordeal. But these are secrets that she has kept from everyone for many many years. These secrets are what makes me like her even more, it shows her strength and her ability to overcome any obstacle put in her way. Though it takes Aiden to show her its ok to let someone else in and not everyone is as bad as she thinks. I love that Morrigan will yield a sword as easily as she will slay a demon with words. This helps build the banter and desire between her and Aiden. I also like that Aiden sees her strength and doesn't try to diminish it. He encourages it and helps her become stronger and better.

I gave this book 5 kisses.

Happy Reading... Adri

A wonderful Scottish historical romance and perfect ending to the Royal Highlander series with complex characters and a story that kept me glued to the book from beginning to end with twists and turns, ups and downs, Scottish pride, a Highland romance and so much more. I loved the instant attraction and slow-burn romance between rebel Morrigan Drummond and barrister Aidan Grant. If you enjoy well-crafted historical romance, don't miss "Highland Sword". I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Highland Sword, by May McGoldrick, is available at booksellers on 3-31-20. Sword is the 3rd and final book in the Royal Highlander series. I rarely give out 5 stars but this series has been so entertaining and informative that I've given 5 stars to all 3 books. The characters are well fleshed out and as interesting as the timeframe in history. I'm sorry to see the trilogy come to an end and can only hope the next subject grabs my attention like "The Rising" in Scotland.

Morrigan Drummond is the daughter of a doctor who was murdered in front of her during a British raid. Dr. Drummond had been involved with the rabble-rouser Scottish underground. Although Morrigan's story is a stand-alone it behooves you to read books 1 & 2 to fully understand the horrors the Drummond family endured. In Sword we follow Morrigan on her journey through hell. She has PTSD & lives in fear of everyone & everything. Her solution is to learn self-defense, meaning daggers & swords. She practices everyday to prepare for the other shoe dropping, she knows it will. She's hard to like at first but understandable, she has to take control & make her own opportunities. She grew on me as I read more about what was going on in her head. She meets our hero, Aidan Grant, in an alley where she whoops him. He's left "searching for any remnant of his manly self-respect", hysterical statement!

Aidan is much easier to understand. He's a barrister who fights for the underdog. Today he'd be called a human rights attorney. His brother is solicitor and they work together, and have each others back in this dangerous line of work. He's adorable & I liked him from the start. I'm not including any spoilers or too much of the plot, it wouldn't be fair. This is something you should enjoy for yourself. Happy reading.

#MayMcGoldrick #Netgalley #StMartin'sPress #HighlandSword #RoyalHighlander #TheRising

Another wonderfully written story from two magnificent authors, I loved the characters they were great.

This was my first read by this author and first in this 3 book series. I enjoyed this story greatly. Morrigan is out for revenge but Aiden has a different plan for her though she is determined to stay away from him. Aiden is equally as determined to protect her. Entertaining read. Grab this book if you can.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review

What a wonderful series. As always, the characters are relatable and the story engaging.
Although not technically necessary, I would recommend reading the previous books in the series first for maximum enjoyment. Highly recommended.
Thank you May McGoldrick, St Martin Press and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This series is one best read in order, and contains a lot of historical information in addition to the romance. Aidan was a dreamy hero - smart, caring, and strong, just what Morrigan needed at this time in her life. They were able to overcome deep suspicion to work together and yes, to fall in love.

Morrigan Drummond had to flee after her father's murder and vows revenge on Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for the death. She trained alongside rebels in the hopes to fight off the English but might be the one person that barrister Aidan Grant needs to prove two men innocent. He understands her need for revenge and wants Burney taken down just as much as she does.

Highland Sword is the third book in the Royal Highlander series, following Highland Crown and Highland Jewel. We get yet another facet of life for women in Edinburgh in the 1820s, which is a time period rife with danger. Morrigan's stepmother had been a physician in her own right and her step-aunt worked in the suffrage movement, and in this novel, we see Morrigan's fight. For those who didn't read the first two novels, we open with Cinaed and his mother discussing the future of Scotland, and he won't do it the way she envisions it. It's a tense time in Scotland, as there's agitating for the rights of the poor, trying to get the British influence out of the country, and the hope of true reform to get corruption out of government.

Morrigan had her own traumas to deal with prior to the opening of this book, and she's a fighter because of it. She doesn't want to return to her victim state, though it means she's got a quick temper. That means her "meet cute" of sorts with Aiden is actually a brawl in an alleyway. They both give as good as they get in physical and verbal sparring, 'and do appreciate it as much as their physical appearance. She's loyal to family and often puts their reputation and safety ahead of her own. That means she can also forget how helpful they can be when she needs it, and that she really can't take care of everything on her own.

Aiden is a good lawyer, and adept at social maneuvering. It's especially important in that political climate and trying to save men from hanging when they were set up by a spymaster. He's also a good man, willing to put his personal safety and reputation at risk to help others and to stand by Morrigan when she's in trouble. The two really are a good team, and that's even before they bond in a romantic and then in a sexual way. Aiden is patient and can temper Morrigan's temper. She also helps draw him out of his own thoughts and gives him a perspective he didn't have before.

It's not an easy path they set for themselves, but it's one that works best when they're together. Healing Morrigan's trauma isn't resolved unreasonably quickly, and the series is wrapped up in a satisfying way without it seeming like a complete deus ex machina. It is a great conclusion for the trilogy.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Highland Sword by May McGoldrick is the third book in their Royal Highlander Series.
I do think to get full enjoyment of this one you should read the first two books in the series.
Morrigan Drummond has survived some very dangerous times and now that she has a moment to breath is trying to figure out who she is and what she will do with her life. A chance encounter on a busy street leads to a fight in an alley and she is shocked to find that the man she fought with is barrister Aidan Grant is a close associate of her family’s and the witness he needs for her latest case is her darkest nightmare. Secrets long buried threaten to overwhelm her present and she will need all of her courage and strength to fight her way through. This book nicely ties up the series and each book is one that you will not want to put down. Content Warning for sexual abuse of a child in the past. Medium Steam. Publishing Date March 31, 2020. #NetGalley #HighlandSword #MayMcGoldrick #ScottishRomance #StMartinsPress #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram

Yes this was a little slow at first but it soon developed into a captivating read. Something had happened in Morrigan’s past that still affected her today. She is a brave woman and is able to fight like a warrior. Morrigan’s first meeting with Adrian Grant is explosive to say the least. Adrian is a handsome man, a barrister who knows how to be persuasive. They are attracted to each other but there are many dangerous times ahead. I enjoyed the close family feel between the characters, Adrian’s brother, Sebastian is quite a character! There were interesting descriptions of the Samhain festival. There is also the political manoeuvrings that are taking place. Although this may be read as a standalone, past events are explained, the reader will get a deeper understanding of the first two books are read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying and this was a great installment. The author’s voice gets inside her characters heads and they climb out of the pages. A great escape during a time that I needed it.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 3rd book in the Royal Highlander series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I didn't read any of the other ones and completely understood everything that happens in this one. Morrigan Drummond blames and english spymaster for the death of her father. And swears to avenge his death. Aidan Grant is a barrister who is fighting for two mens lives and needs for Morrigan to hold off on her revenge in order to make sure these men are found innocent. But can a woman trained as a warrior wait, and in waiting will she find the man who is perfect for her?

I had a really hard time with this one. It took me a long time to get into the story and I still had to push through in order to finish it. The writing is good, the story line and characters just didn't hook me like I thought they would. I had a hard time connecting. It's not necessarily a bad story, I just couldn't get into and I'm honestly not even sure why. Usually I like this type of book, but not this time unfortunately.

Highland Sword by May McGoldrick was a very pleasant read. Had some action mixed with romance but I don't feel like they went overboard with the mixture.

This book was the very first book I have tried by the Author and with it being in a series I was a little hesitant on reading it not knowing any of the backstory. The book was a slow at first which it took a lot to keep me engaged with the story. It was definitely not a bad start just for my usual reading tendencies it didn't grab me at first. Surprisingly with this being in the series and the last of the series, it gave a standalone vibe where you gained enough information for characters that were introduced from previous books to understand their reason for being in the story.

Once I was engaged with the book it went to a page turner very quickly. I ended up not being able to put the book down until I finished the very last page. I feel that the Author did a wonderful job on bringing the story to a close and wrapping up a very happy ever after for the characters.

This definitely is a light read that will lift your spirits in the end so if you need something to pull you away from the dark and heavy definitely pick this book up!!

#netgalley #highlandsword

I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the 2 characters was off-the-charts for me. I also really enjoyed the pacing.

Highland Sword
A Royal Highlander Novel
May McGoldrick
St. Martin’s Press, Mar 2020
320 pages
Historical Romance, Scottish historical romance
Pub’s rep via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙

I like the cover with just a suggestion of rich surroundings and the young couple, supposedly Morrigan and Aidan. Once again, I have a book that loses half a star for the author’s name being in the same large font as the title and up at the top where I feel the title should be. That’s my personal bugaboo. I just feel the title of the book should take precedence over the author’s name on the cover.

However, the story inside is a total winner, as with all May McGoldrick tales. This one is not hugely based on fast action scenes. This has lots of descriptions and thoughts and lively repartee. Sniping that becomes flirting. Or baiting between captor and captive. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its fair share of action segments. Our heroine and hero meet in an alley and have a fight where they both end up quite battered with swollen lips and black eyes. Needless to say, they don’t hang around for formal introductions at that point. Those come later on.

Our authors handle this sort of writing very well. It’s not boring. Things move along quickly as if you were watching a movie. As you read the descriptions you see the scenery and things happen. As you read the thoughts of people, you get a lot of backstories and understand what motivates them in what they are doing and why they are or are not going to do things in the future. You get hints about things, too. McGoldrick books are always very mentally visual. You need to open your mind when you read them, they are visually rich in such a way as to create a mental video for the reader.

The book was just released yesterday, March 31st. I highly recommend it!